On June 14th, 2025, we got a real start on bringing life back to a section of fallow land on the 527 acres. We couldn’t have asked for better conditions - overcast and cool - which helped the 45 different species of young trees settle in. It felt like the land was ready for hands in the soil and good energy, and so were we. With the launch of Plant Out 4, we brought positive energy into the landscape with the planting of over 2,000 native trees, each chosen for their role in rebuilding a resilient rainforest ecosystem. These are species that belong here — plants with deep ecological purpose. They’ll stabilise soil, create wildlife habitat, and gradually weave biodiversity back into the landscape.

But we’re not just restoring — we’re reimagining. We’ve intentionally left generous space between the rows, preparing for what’s to come: a carefully layered system of food-producing trees like cacao, durian, and cempedak, interlinked with support species and fast-growing pioneers to offer shade and structure. It’s a living blend, still evolving, but rooted in one simple principle: let the native forest take the lead, and let our food systems grow within its rhythm.

The People Behind It

On planting day, 47 volunteers (including 3 dogs) came together, digging, planting, and connecting with one another in the soil. It was sweaty, muddy, joyful — the kind of day that fills your body and heart. Stories were swapped between holes and tree roots, and by sundown, we circled around a fire with shared food, laughter, and a quiet sense of accomplishment.

These moments matter. Planting trees is only the surface — it’s the shared experience, the collaboration, and the care that truly sets the roots deep. This is how regeneration becomes a community effort, not just a concept. We look forward to sinking those roots deeper over time.

There’s much more ahead. The native trees we planted will take a number of years to mature, but already they’re reshaping the land. We’ll be engaging often — monitoring growth, managing weeds organically, and learning how each species settles in. Over the coming months, we’ll introduce the food-producing layer, designed to thrive beneath and between the emerging forest. This integrated system isn’t just about ecology; it’s about building a living economy that rewards restoration.

We don’t pretend to have every answer. But we’re here, doing the work, observing, adapting, and staying rooted in the belief that true regeneration is slow, thoughtful, and shared. And with every planting, we take another step forward — together.

A Heartfelt Thanks

To everyone who showed up - thank you. Whether you planted one tree or one hundred, your presence made a difference. Every pair of hands, every moment spent crouched in the soil contributed to something much bigger than any of us could do alone.

This land has been waiting a long time for care like this. And now, because of you, it’s beginning to shift - quietly, steadily, hopefully - back toward prosperous life. It’s not just the trees that are growing here, but connection, momentum, and a sense of what’s possible when people come together with purpose.

We’re deeply grateful for your time, your energy, and your willingness to be part of this. It really does matter. We’ll keep tending the trees, the soil, and the space we’ve started to shape - and we hope to see you again at the next one.

There’s a lot more to grow, and we’re glad to be growing it with you.